At the age of 15, Beezie Madden's World Equestrian Games double bronze medallist Cortes 'C' will be retired from the sport. 

The gelding by Randel Z x Darco began his international career under Belgium's Gregory Wathelet, and was sold to Madden's long-time supporter Mrs. Abigail Wexner in 2011. Madden and Cortes 'C' went on to great things together, taking the team silver medal for the USA at last year's Rio Olympics, double bronze at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, as well as jumping to major Grand Prix, World Cup and Nations Cup victories at Hickstead (2015 and 2014), Lexington (2014), Barcelona (2014), Chantilly (2013), Wellington (2013), Spruce Meadows (2012) and Valkenswaard (2011) – to mention some. 

Unfortunately, Cortes 'C' sustained a tendon injury at the Rio Olympics and was withdrawn after round one of the team competition. A little over half-a-year later, it has been decided that the gelding will not return to the ring. 

"Many of you have asked for an update and others are probably wondering about Cortes ‘C’s recovery," reads a statement on John Madden Sales, Inc.'s Facebook page. "On behalf of Cortes ‘C’s owner, Mrs. Abigail Wexner, we are announcing Cortes’ retirement from competition. We are thankful to his team of veterinarians who have helped him heal following his injury at the 2016 Olympic Games. Tiny will return from his winter home at Authentic Stables in Wellington to our home base in Cazenovia this spring where he will enjoy his retirement."

“We have been blessed to have Tiny in our family and as a part of Team JMS. Our back to back wins together in the King George Cup as well as his “Best Horse of the Games” (Team and Individual Bronze Medal) title in the 2014 World Equestrian Games will remain some of my best memories. I will always be grateful for the time we’ve had together in the sport and am now extremely grateful for the time we will have together in his retirement,” Beezie Madden states.

Source: John Madden Sales, Inc.'s Facebook page // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson